The league is slated to start in 2019 with teams in Hamilton, St. Catharines, Ont., Guelph, Ont., Edmonton, Saskatoon and Abbotsford, B.C.

“We are very pleased to welcome the Canadian Elite Basketball League as an official partner of Canada Basketball,” Canada Basketball president/CEO Glen Grunwald said in a statement.

“Under the leadership of Mike Morreale and Richard Petko, the CEBL has proven to be committed to operating with high professional standards that align with those of Canada Basketball and FIBA. It is a league created by Canadians for Canadians.”